THE tragic death of a Teesside diver might have been avoided had better warning signs been placed around the wreck they were exploring, an inquest heard.

Paul Swain, of Billingham, died on November 3 last year after becoming disorientated in a compartment of a sunken ferry in Malta.

Volunteer divers discovered his body a fortnight later, partially buried in silt in the cafeteria of the vessel.

Mr Swain was among seven people from the Sub Aqua Sports Association, based in South Hetton, County Durham, taking part in the expedition.

They told Hartlepool Coroner’s Court how the upturned ferry was not equipped with proper warning notices alerting them to the dangers of exploring the site.

The experienced group had researched the trip thoroughly and claimed if there had been clear warning signs, they may have chosen to explore elsewhere. They all agreed one sign was face down at the entrance, another was obstructed and a third was placed at the opposite end of the ship to the entrance and was facing out to sea.

Mr Swain had more than 20 years’ diving experience, and was exploring the ferry with two other divers when visibility suddenly dropped to zero and the group became separated.

The other two managed to find their way out and, despite trying to find Mr Swain, had to return to the surface as they had very little oxygen left.

Within minutes a rescue mission was launched, involving emergency services, volunteers and the Armed Forces of Malta. The search was called off two days later after the area was deemed too dangerous for rescuers to continue, due to loose debris in the ship.

Mr Swain’s body was recovered on November 17. A post-mortem examination carried out in Malta revealed he died of asphyxiation.